A construction worker was left seriously injured after being thrown from a cherry picker when it was hit by a bus in the Castlemilk area of Glasgow. The incident, which occurred on February 4, 2022, resulted in the roofer falling onto the roof of a parked car and then onto the pavement, leaving him permanently impaired. McTaggart Construction Limited, the company responsible for the operation, was fined £215,000 after pleading guilty to breaching construction regulations and health and safety legislation.
During the accident, the cherry picker, with the roofer and operator in the basket, was raised for repairs when a double-decker bus collided with it. The impact caused the cherry picker to lift onto its two rear wheels and strike a nearby lamppost. The roofer, who was not secured within the basket, was thrown from it while the operator managed to stay inside. The 27-year-old worker suffered severe injuries due to the fall.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that McTaggart Construction Limited failed to properly plan the work at height and ensure the use of personal protective equipment. Additionally, there were inadequate measures in place to separate the cherry picker from traffic. Following the incident, the company implemented measures to improve safety protocols.
Debbie Carroll, leading health and safety investigations for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in Scotland, emphasised the importance of employers fulfilling their obligations to prevent such incidents. Falls from height are a significant risk in the construction industry, and this case serves as a reminder of the consequences of negligence.
McTaggart Construction Limited was fined £200,000 with an additional victim surcharge of £15,000. The company acknowledged its failings and made changes to prevent future accidents. The prosecution aims to hold employers accountable for ensuring the safety of workers and preventing life-changing consequences.
The incident highlights the critical need for strict adherence to health and safety regulations in the workplace, especially in high-risk industries like construction. Employers must prioritise the welfare of their employees and implement robust safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
Overall, the case serves as a cautionary tale for companies to prioritize worker safety and adhere to regulations to avoid costly fines and, more importantly, to prevent accidents that could have life-altering consequences.